Quick mounting frame assembly for photographs and the like



March 5, 1968 0. J. SMITH ET AL 3,371,439

QUICK MOUNTING FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE LIKE Filed 0012.26, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet l ll "0 I I I I INVENTORS M T iDOUGZfl-S'J677/771 9 mam/P12 s. SAUL-SBURY ATTDRNEYS INVENTORS ATTDRNE .5

March 5, 1968 D. J. SMITH ETAL QUICK MOUNTING FRAME ASSEMBLY FORPHOTOGRAPHS AND THE LIKE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 26, 1966 .DOUGZASJ. 5/7/ TH 9 RICH/9RD J. SAULSBURY March 5, 1968 D. J. SMITH ETAL QUICKMOUNTING FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR j PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 26,1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 DOUGLAS J. 677/771 9 RICH/7RD 6'. JAULSBURY D. J.SMITH ETAL QUICK MOUNTING FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR March 5, 1968 PHOTOGRAPHSAND THE LIKE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 26, 1966 M f mi E r V /B m M MJ 5 mm M a m x R March 5, 1968 D J. SMITH ETAL 3,371,439

QUICK MOUNTING FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE LIKE 5Sheets-Sheet Filed Oct. 26. 1966 INVENTORS DOUGLAS J- J/WTH FP/CH/QRD'5. SHUL-SBURY United States Patent QUICK MOUNTING: FRAME ASSEMBLY FORPI-IGTUGRAPHS AND THE LIKE Douglas J. Smith, 57 Heritage Court,Hillsdale, NJ.

07642, and Richard S. Saulsbury, Forest Hills, N.Y., (2137 GerritsenAve., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11229) Filed Oct. 26, 1966, Ser. No. 589,731

17 Claims. (Cl. 40-156) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A display holderincluding a matrix defining a plurality of tray-like depressions each ofwhich may receive a display element. A retainer comprising a griddefining a plurality of open frames corresponding in number to thedepressions on the matrix is shaped to snap fit thereover and so retainthe displays in position the matrix is further provided with a flangeabout its perimeter by which it may be mounted in a frame.

A flexible retaining grid for the cards is also provided. This grid is athin rectangular grillwork also made of synthetic resin plasticmaterial. The grid is formed with springy hollow ridges defining grooveswhich snap over the ridges of the matrix. The intersecting ridges of thegrid conform in position to the ridges of the matrix. Integral with theridges of the grid are flanges defining frames which serve to hold cardsin tray compartments of the matrix. The assembly is so arranged thattrans parent face plates or sheets can be interposed between the cardsand the frames of the grid for protecting exposed sides of the cards.The matrix can be formed with a peripheral channel shaped outer frameextending around the entire assembly. A stiffening back plate or boardcan be engaged in a molded ledge extending around the frame of thematrix.

The matrix can be formed with slots in the panels of the compartments sothat cards can be inserted into the I compartments and removed therefromthrough the back of the matrix without disturbing the grid attached tothe front of the matrix. The channel shaped frame of the matrix can befilled with a stiff foam plastic core for strengthening the frame.Alternative to the core or in addition thereto, a rigid rectangular fiatframe can be set into the ledge around the peripheral frame of thematrix to cover the channel, and to prevent twisting and warping of theassembly.

The matrix can be made without the channel shaped frame so that theassembly can be mounted to a conventional rectangular picture frame. Theflexible grid can be made of transparent material with integraltransparent panels to overlay the panels of the matrix. The transparentpanels will serve as transparent face plates for protecting the cards inthe matrix.

The invention makes it possible to mount quickly and removably amultiplicity of sheets or cards in an attractive assembly for effectivedisplay. No particular skill, tools, supplemental fasteners, adhesivetabs or mounting members are required. The cards are quickly removableand 3,371,439 Patented Mar. 5, 1968 replaceable by others when the gridis taken 0d the matrix or through the slots in back of the matrix.

It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide amultiple sheet or card mounting assembly comprising a rectangular matrixhaving shallow compartments or trays to receive the cards, and asnap-fitting removable rectangular grid attachable to the front of thematrix to hold the cards in the compartments.

Another object is to provide an assembly as described, wherein thematrix has an integral channel shaped peripheral frame.

A further object is to provide an assembly as last described wherein theframe is stiffened by a rectangular back panel or rigid open frameattached to the back of the matrix.

Still another object is to provide an assembly of matrix and grid asdescribed, with a stiffening core inserted in the channel shapedperipheral frame to stiffen the same.

A further object is to provide an assembly of matrix and grid asdescribed, wherein the grid is formed with integral transparent panelsfitting into the compartments in the matrix to protect and retain thecards in the compartments.

Still another object is to provide an assembly of matrix and gridattached so that the assembly can be attached to a separate pictureframe of conventional type.

For further comprehension of the invention and of the objects andadvantages thereof, reference will be had to the following descriptionand accompanying drawings and to the appended claims in which thevarious novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective front, end and top view of a card mountingassembly embodying a first form of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional View taken on line 2-2 ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded sectional view of parts shown assembled in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a further enlarged sectional View similar to a part of FIG. 2,showing structural details with more clarity.

FIG. 5 is a reduced rear view of the assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view 011 an enlarged scale of parts ofassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of parts of another card mountingassembly embodying a second form of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on line 8-8 ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front view of another card mounting assembly embodying athird form of the invention.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partially exploded perspective view of parts ofthe assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded enlarged sectional view taken on line11-11 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 14 are enlarged fragmentary sectional views of cardmounting assemblies respectively embodying fourth and fifth forms of theinvention.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view on a reduced scale of a rectangularinsert used with the assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a rectangular stiffening frameused with the assembly of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view with parts broken away of anothercard mounting assembly embodying a sixth form of the invention.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 17-17 ofFIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view on an enlarged scale of parts ofthe assembly of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view partially in section ofanother card mounting assembly embodying a seventh form of theinvention.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view on a reduced scale of parts ofthe assembly of FIG. 19.

As used in this specification and in the claims, the term matrix refersto a molded compartmented sheet, and the term grid refers to a sheetmolded to define a grillwork, both the matrix and grid having the formsdescribed and illustrated herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown a picture sheet or cardmounting assembly A1 comprising a flexible matrix and flexible grid 26.The matrix is a thin molded plastic sheet having a rectangularperipheral ridge 28 and mutually perpendicular intersection ridges 30.The ridges define molded border walls or frames around generallyrectangular shallow compartments or trays closed at the back and open atthe front. In cross section each ridge has a rather flaring form withrounded outer or front portion 36 and inwardly tapered opposing sides38. The panels 34 all coplanar and define the back plane P of thematrix. The corners 39 of the adjoining ridges inside each compartmentare rounded for a purpose to be described. Outer corners 39 of ridge 28are also rounded.

Around the periphery of the matrix is an integral channel shaped frame40. This frame includes a peripheral flange 42 which is coplanar withplane P of the back panels 34. Extending forwardly from the outerperiphery of flange 42 is a narrow flexible wall 44. This wall actuallyextends at an acute angle to flange 42 as best shown in FIG. 4 to definea rather angular corner groove 46 all around the flange 42. Extendingforwardly and laterally outwardly of wall 44 is wall 48 which isdisposed at an acute angle to the plane P of flange 42 and wall 44.Peripheral outer wall 50 extends rearwardly from the apex 51 of thechannel 52 defined by walls 48, 50 to the plane P of the back panels 34and flange 42. At the foot of wall 50 is a narrow flange 54 disposed inthe back plane P. From flange 54 extends rearwardly a peripheral flange56 which is perpendicular to flange 54 and parallel to outer wall 50 atall points. An outermost peripheral flat flange 58 extends from the footof flange 56. Flanges 54 and 56 define a ledge 60 in which fits snuglythe periphery of a rigid, rectangular backing board or plate 62. Thisboard can be made of pressed fiberboard, tempered hardboard, chipboard,cardboard, or other suitable rigid sheet material. A suitable adhesive64 applied to the rear side of flange can be used to secure the backplate to the matrix. The rear side 63 of board 62 is coplanar with wall58.

The grid 26 is an open generally rectangular grillwork which can be madeby vacuum forming or otherwise molding a diecut sheet of suitableplastic material.

The grid has an outer rectangular narrow flange 70. This flange extendsoutwardly from the outer wall of a peripheral ridge 74. This ridge isintegrally formed with interior intersecting ridges 75 defining agrillwork. Each of the ridges has an internal or rear channel or groove76 which is shaped to conform with ridges 28 or 30 of the matrix. Theopposing side walls 72 of ridges 74 and 75 are flexible and inclinedinwardly toward each other. They are joined by outer rounded wallsections 79. Corners 77 of adjoining mutually perpendicular walls 72 arerounded. Extending laterally from the inner wall of ridge 74 and fromboth walls in interior ridges 75 are flat flanges forming smallrectangular frames 80 with interior rims 81 defining rectangularopenings for each frame.

The grid and matrix can be mutually detachably engaged with each otherby pressing the rear of the grid against the front of the matrix so theridges 28, 30 enter the grooves 76. The flexible walls of the ridges inboth matrix and grid yield and accommodate to each other so that a snug,springy grip is maintained between them.

The corners 77 of the grid frame register with and snap into the roundedcorners 39, 39 of the compartments 35. The peripheral wall flange 70 ofthe grid snaps into the recess 46 of the matrix. Thus the grid is heldin the matrix and cannot work loose.

Rectangular sheets of cards which can bear pictures or any graphicsubject matter 103 can be disposed in the several compartments or trays35 and will be held thereby the frames 80 which overlap the margins 101of the cards. Removal or replacement of any card can be effected bysnapping off the grid and then replacing it.

The entire assembly can be mounted or hung on a wall by the use ofsuitable hangers. The rear panel board 72 can be provided with slots 102having serrated outer edges 104 for engaging hooks, nails or otherhanger devices.

The picture or card mounting assembly A2 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 7 issubstantially identical to assembly A1 of FIGS. 1-6 and correspondingparts are identically numbered. In assembly A2 transparent rectangularplastic sheets or plates are applied to the front sides of the cards orpictures 100. The plates 110 serve to protect the front surfaces of thepictures. Margins of the face plates 110 are interposed between frames80 and margins 101 of the cards 100.

In FIGS. 9-11 is shown another card mounting assembly A3 which isgenerally similar to assembly A1 with corresponding parts identicallynumbered. In assembly A3 the grid 26a has a peripheral ridge 74a whichengages on ridge 28 of matrix 25a. The peripheral flange 70 andcorresponding flange 42 employed in the grid and matrix of assembly A1are omitted. The flexible grid 26a is molded of transparent plasticmaterial so that the margins 101 of cards 100 in compartments 35 of thematrix are visible. Also the ridges 28 and 30 of the matrix are visiblethrough the grid 26a. This may be desirable where the matrix is moldedof colored plastic material to provide an attractive framed effectaround the cards.

Transverse slots 112 are formed in panels 34a of the matrix. These slotshave downwardly extended center notches 114. The slots permit insertionof the flexible cards 100 through the back of the matrix while the grid26a is in place. The flexible cards can be bent at their centers andinserted through the notches 114. In removing the cards while the gridis in place, the cards can be pushed backwardly at their centers throughthe notches 114 to free the upper edges of the cards which will thenextend through the slots 112 from which the cards can easily be removed.

In FIG. 12 is shown a further assembly A4 in which matrix 25b is similarto matrix 25 with corresponding parts identically numbered. In matrix2512, the channel 52 defined between walls 48 and 50 of the frame 40a isfilled with a stiff rectangular core see FIG. 13. This core can be madeof expanded closed cell foam plastic material. Thecore will limit orprevent warping of the flexible matrix and will prevent wrinkling of theframe 40a if any pressure is exerted upon it. The grid 25 will beapplied to matrix 25b in the same manner as described in connection withFIGS. 1-6.

In FIG. 14 assembly A5 is like assembly A1, but may employ a rigidrectangular frame in place of back panel board 62; see FIG. 15. Theslots 102 will be provided at centers of the sides of the frame forengaging suitable hangers. The frame 125 will keep the matrix 256 fromtwisting and warping. If desired, core 120 can be inserted into channel52 of any of the assemblies A1-A3 and A5 for stiffening the body of theframe of the matrix to resist pressure.

Transparent grid 26a can be used on any of the matrices of assembliesA1, A2, A4 or A5 if desired.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 show card mounting assembly A6 which is generallysimilar to assemblies Al-AS with corresponding parts identicallynumbered. The matrix 25d terminates in peripheral flange 42. The outerframe 40 provided in matrix 25 is omitted. The flange 42 can be engagedby tacks, staples or other fastener members 130 in the rabbet 132 of aconventional rectangular wooden picture frame 135. This makes itpossible to use any one of a great variety of differently surfaced,colored or finished frames with any set of grid and matrix. The grid 26aformed without an external peripheral flange is employed.

This grid can easily be snapped on to and off the matrix 25d forinserting and removing cards 100. Transparent facing plates 110 may beemployed in front of the cards 100 if desired.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show another card mounting assembly A7 in which thematrix 25d without peripheral frame is mounted to a picture frame 135a.The transparent grid 26a is similar to grid 26a except that transparentrectangular center panels 110 are integrally molded with ridges 74a and75a. These panels serve to protect the cards so that separatetransparent plates 110 such as employed in assemblies A2 and A6 can beomitted. The grid is snapped 26a on and oif the matrix 25d in the samemanner as the other grids and matrices previously described.

In all forms of the invention, the individual matrices, grids, faceplates, cores, and frames are all interchangeable with others to obtaindifferent structural functions and different decorative effects. Theparts of the assemblies can be made by mass production methods andequipment at relatively low cost. They are easy to use, and durable inconstruction, and will provide long, satisfactory service.

While we have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of ourinvention, it is to be understood that we do not limit ourselves to theprecise construction herein disclosed and that various changes andmodifications may be made Within the scope of the invention as definedin the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A card or picture mounting assembly, comprising a thin walledflexible matrix formed with a plurality of mutually intersecting ridgessurrounding coplanar panels, each panel with surrounding ridges defininga shallow tray having an open front to receive a thin card, each of saidridges having flexible opposing angularly disposed narrow walls, and athin walled flexible grid for holding cards in the trays of the matrix,said grid having a plurality of intersecting other ridges conforming inintersecting arrangement with corresponding ridges of the matrix, saidother ridges defining grooves with thin flexible opposing angularlydisposed other walls for removably engaging on the ridges of the matrix.

2. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid grid has narrow flanges defining frames extending inwardly of saidother ridges and overlaying marginal portions of the panels for engagingmargins of cards to hold the same in the trays.

3. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid matrix has a peripheral flange engageable in a rabbet of a pictureframe.

4. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid matrix has a peripheral channel shaped frame integral withoutermost ridges of the matrix.

5. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 4, furthercomprising a rigid panel board for backing up and stiffening the matrixand grid, said frame having a peripheral ledge for receiving theperiphery of the panel board.

6. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 4, furthercomprising a stiff core filling said channel to stiffen the matrix.

7. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 4, whereinsaid frame has a peripheral ledge, and a stiff flat other frame engagedat the back of the matrix with the periphery of the frame engaged insaid ledge and closing said channel.

8. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 4, whereinsaid frame has mutually perpendicular flexible narrow further wallsjoining the frame to the outermost ridges of the matrix, said gridhaving a peripheral narrow flange, said further walls defining a recessfor receiving said peripheral flange of the grid to hold the peripheryof the grid to the matrix.

9. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 2, whereinsaid panels having slots formed therein to permit insertion of saidcards into the trays while the grid is mounted to the matrix.

10. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 2, whereinsaid grid is formed of thin, transparent material so that the ridges ofmatrix and margins of the cards are visible through the ridges of thegrid.

11. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid grid is formed of thin, transparent material, said grid havingtransparent other panels integral with said other ridges for overlayingthe panels of the matrix with the cards disposed between the transparentpanels and the panels of the matrix and visible through the transparentpanels.

12. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 2, whereinsaid matrix has a peripheral flange engageable in a rabbet of a pictureframe.

13. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 4, whereinsaid grid is formed of thin, transparent material so that the ridges ofmatrix and margins of the cards are visible through the ridges of thegrid.

14. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 2, whereinsaid matrix has a peripheral channel shaped frame integral withoutermost ridges of the matrix.

15. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 2, whereinsaid grid is formed of thin, transparent material so that the ridges ofmatrix and margins of the cards are visible through the ridges of thegrid.

16. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 2, furthercomprising cards respectively disposed in certain ones of the trays, andtransparent face plates respectively disposed between the respectivecards and the frames of the grid.

-17. A card or picture mounting assembly as recited in claim 16, whereinsaid matrix has a peripheral channel shaped frame integral withoutermost ridges of the matrix.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,692,999 11/1928 Siegel 401562,614,354 10/1952 Winslow 40-456 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,197,646 7/ 1965Germany.

EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner.

W. 1-. CQNTRERAS, Examiner.

